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Cape Foulwind Lighthouse

Fl W 12s🇳🇿South Island (West Coast Region), NZOperational

Location & Light Range

About Cape Foulwind Lighthouse

A white, round concrete tower stands 9 meters tall at Cape Foulwind. First lit in 1876, its focal height is 70 meters above sea level. The lighthouse emits a white flash every 12 seconds, visible for 9 nautical miles. It is situated 11 kilometers west of Westport on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. The structure is a Heritage New Zealand Category 2 historic place listing.

Why it matters: This lighthouse guides vessels along the Buller coast.

Background
The Cape Foulwind Lighthouse is a lighthouse that is located at Cape Foulwind, 11 km (7 mi) west of the town of Westport on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. Perched 70 metres (230 ft) above the Tasman Sea, the light guides vessels along the Buller coast, and is one of the most accessible lighthouses in the country. The LED light flashes white once every 12 seconds and has a range 10 nautical miles (19 km; 12 mi). It is a Category 2 heritage listed structure.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl W 12s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
12s
Raw Code
Fl.W. period 12s
Focal Height
70m
Geographic Range
9NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1876
Heritage Status
Heritage New Zealand Category 2 historic place listing

References & Identifiers

Admiralty No.
K4486
NGA No.
5600
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q1034422 →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
9m
Tower Shape
round
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

Structure: White concrete tower; 30. WESTPORT HARBOR:

Location

City
South Island (West Coast Region)
Country
🇳🇿NZ
Latitude
-41.7495°
Longitude
171.4662°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Cape Foulwind Lighthouse at night?+
Cape Foulwind displays the characteristic Fl W 12s — 1 white flash every 12 seconds. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area.
Which ports and harbors does Cape Foulwind Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Cape Foulwind Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 2 nearby ports. The closest is Westport at 5.7 NM to the E. Other ports served include Greymouth (43.3 NM SSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Cape Foulwind Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Cape Foulwind Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
How can I track vessels near Cape Foulwind Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Cape Foulwind Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.